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A REMINISCENCE OF NEWPORT 



BEFORE AND DURING 



THE 



REVOLUTIONARY WAR 



E. B. LYMAN 




1906 

The Milne Printery 

newport, r. i. 






LIEKARY of CONGRESS 
Two Copies Received 

MAY 21 1906 

n -flopyriglrt Entry 

VfUuM, foot 

CLASS I Q, XXCyNo. 
' 'COPY ff. 



Copyrighted 

by 

H. L. Stevens. 



A Reminiscence of Newport Before and 
During the Revolutionary War. 



BY E. B. LYMAN. 




HIS little work does not aim at the 
dignity of history; it is merely 
intended to give a description of 
the manners and characters of the 
period, rather than a narrative of 
political events; to gather up the fragments 
that tradition has handed down to us, to pre- 
serve what would otherwise be lost after this 
generation has passed away. 

These fragments have been gathered from 
the conversation of those who witnessed these 
events, and this must excuse the introduction 
of portraits of some of the most remarkable 
characters of those times. And yet what is 
history but a collection of portraits which like 
individual likenesses in historical paintings 
give life and interest to the canvasses? 



4 Reminisce7ice of Newport 

These recollections are many of them derived 
from the conversations of Mrs. Wanton, who 
delighted to gather her grand-children about 
her, and amuse them with stories of the past, 
that had all the charm of romance. 

Born in 1728, she lived through the old 
French War, during the palmy days of New- 
port, before the Revolution, mingled in the first 
society of the place, and was familiar with the 
most remarkable characters of that period, both 
at her father's and her husband's homes, and 
was well acquainted with all the distinguished 
noblemen who accompanied the French troops 
to this country. Gifted by nature with 
uncommon intellect, keen wit, and remarkable 
memory, her mind was stored with these recol- 
lections, which like the colors in the old Italian 
paintings, became more vivid from age. She 
lived to the age of ninety-two years and eight 
months, and like many other aged persons, 
dwelt more in the past than in the present. 
Her father, Mr. Bull, one of first lawyers of his 
time, was the friend of Dean Berkeley, who 
stood godfather to Mrs. Wanton when she 
was christened — always proud of this distinc- 
tion she kept a copy of his Minute Philosopher 
in her possession as long as she lived. 



Reminiscence of Newport 5 

Newport was remarkable at that period for 
its liberal hospitality, "for its feast of reason 
and its flow of soul," and this probably led 
to the introduction of so many distinguished 
strangers, who, delighted with their reception, 
and fascinated with the society of the place, 
lingered there for a long time to enjoy its 
delicious climate and revel amid its pleasant 
scenes. 

There was a close connection between New- 
port and Boston in those days. Boston Neck 
in the Narragansett Country, a fertile tract of 
land, a peninsula, was settled by a number of 
wealthy proprietors, who, flying from religious 
intolerance, chose this beautiful country for an 
asylum. They brought with them both wealth 
and luxury, and it was delightful for the inhab- 
itants of Newport to exchange visits with them. 
They had a fine breed of horses termed Narra- 
gansett Pacers, on which they rode through 
this beautiful country. The ladies prided 
themselves on being fine horsewomen, and 
there was many a Di Vernon among them. 

Perhaps no country possesses more natural 
advantages than this. Reaching on the south 
the ocean in all its sublimity, it is separated 
from the main land on the west by a peaceful 



6 Reminiscence of Newport 

river bearing the beautiful name of Pettiquam- 
scott "narrow river," which winds along with 
"sweet delay." It was the Pettiquamscott that 
Emma Robinson celebrated in that beautiful 
poem which bears its name. She had an uncle 
of the name of Robinson, one of the original 
proprietors, to whose hospitable mansion she 
frequently repaired to avoid the importunities 
of her numerous admirers. There is no finer 
description of this sublime scenery than her 
poem affords. Rambling on the magnificent 
beach and viewing the mighty expanse of 
waters, boundless, endless and sublime in their 
extent, her vivid imagination kindled at the 
sight, and she became a poetess. 

Another singular and striking feature in this 
country is its salt water ponds, filled with oys- 
ters and innumerable kinds of fish, which render 
it the resort of game from the wild duck to the 
green headed plover. The finest sheep are 
raised on these shores, and the butter, cheese 
and poultry are unequalled. The early history 
of this country affords many a romantic legend, 
one of which I will here relate: — 

An Indian sachem of this country had a 
beautiful daughter who became very much 
attached to a warrior of another tribe; her 



Reminiscence of Newport 7 

father would not give his consent to this union; 
wretched, despairing, the unhappy girl mounted 
her spirited courser, urged him up a steep rock 
that overlooks the Pettiquamscott, and plunged 
with him over a precipice a hundred feet high, 
killing both horse and rider. 

This rock is now the resort of picnic parties, 
and is on the Watson estate, at present owned 
by Isaac Rodman of Rocky Brook. 

The early history of Rhode Island abounds 
in romantic incident and chivalrous achieve- 
ment. Roger Williams was not the only pio- 
neer, though the first of that heroic band who 
fled from the religious intolerance of Massachu- 
setts, to found a colony in Rhode Island. John 
Clarke and William Coddington obtained a gift 
of the beautiful Isle of Aquidneck, Rhode 
Island, from Miantonomo. chief of the Narra- 
gansetts, and named it after the Isle of Rhodes. 
Mr. Clarke and eighteen others began their 
settlement on the north end of the island, and 
made Coddington, Judge, at Portsmouth, the 
name of the new settlement. 

Edward Wanton who held a commission 
under the King, and who was present at the 
official murder of one of the Quakers (for the ir 
religious opinions) in Boston, by hanging — was 



8 Reminiscence of Newport 

so disgusted by this act of tyranny and cruelty, 
that he broke his sword on the field, resigned 
his commission and left Boston. He settled 
in Scituate, became a Quaker, and one of his 
sons wishing to marry a Presbyterian, both 
societies refused to sanction their union. Pro- 
voked at this intolerance, he said to her, "Come 
Ruth, let's get married and go to the devil to- 
gether." They were united in the Episcopal 
church and from that time became members, 
as likewise did their descendants. 

The other members of the family remained 
Quakers. On account of these religious dif- 
ferences, William with his brother John, re- 
moved to Newport. He was soon discovered 
to be a man of sound mind, active, industrious 
and brave; he rose in the public esteem and 
became active in the government, and with his 
brother John was personally concerned in a suc- 
cessful attack upon a piratical vessel which in- 
fested the coast, for which brave act Queen Anne 
honored them with an addition to their coat of 
arms, (a game cock alighting upon a hawk). She 
also presented them with a silver punch bowl 
and salver with this inscription in Latin. 

"Omnipotente numine Magistro 
Novlat hie Hercules oryon emo 



Reminiscence of Newport g 

Multo non sanguine capientum hostes 
Vincente poculum debitur Wantones". 

Which may freely be translated thus: — 

"Swift as the wind the intrepid Warrior flies, 
Under the smiles of all approving Heaven; 

The trembling captive feels his power, and dies; 
To conquering Wanton let the bowl be given." 

The mode in which the pirate was taken we 
have by tradition : A ship of three hundred 
tons, mounting twenty cannon, appeared off 
the harbor of Newport, cruising between Block 
Island and Point Judith, interrupting every 
vessel that attempted to pass and treating 
them with great severity. To remove an an- 
noyance so injurious to the comfort and pros- 
perity of the inhabitants of Newport, two 
young men, John and William Wanton, deter- 
mined to attempt her capture, and the means 
they resorted to were as novel, as the success 
was glorious. They no sooner intimated their 
intention, than they were joined by about 
thirty young men of their acquaintance ; a 
sloop of thirty tons was engaged for the enter- 
prise. This noble band went on board with 
only their small arms to defend themselves, 
sailed out of the harbor, to all appearance on 
a country voyage, every person being below 



io Reminiscence of Newport 

except enough to navigate the sloop. As they 
drew near with an intention apparently to pass 
by, a shot was fired at them, they immediately 
lowered the peak of the mainsail and luffed up 
for the ship, but instead of bringing her along- 
side, they came directly under her stern, when 
the men jumped upon deck, and with irons 
prepared for the purpose, grappled the sloop 
to the ship, and jammed her rudder by driving 
wedges between it and the stern post, so as to 
render the ship unmanageable. Having so far 
succeeded in their enterprise each man took 
aim with his musket and shot every pirate who 
appeared on deck. After making great efforts 
to disengage themselves, and finding it impos- 
sible, the rest surrendered and were brought 
into the harbor by this gallant band. 

They likewise captured a French privateer 
that was cruising off the coast. This bold and 
successful act soon brought them into further 
notice; especially William, who in the year 1 732 
was elected Governor of the colony, which 
place he filled until his death, which occurred 
in the winter of 1733-4. He was of easy, polite 
and engaging manners, exceedingly hospitable 
and fond of entertaining his friends. Dean 
Berkeley dined with him every Sunday as long 



Reminiscence of Newport 1 1 

as he lived on the Island, and when he left he 
presented Mrs. Wanton with a diamond ring 
which until recently remained in the family. 

John Wanton was likewise a useful man in 
public affairs, and filled a number of stations 
under the Government before he was elected 
Governor. 

After the death of his brother William, when 
the colony was agitated by violent party strife, 
principally respecting the excessive issue of 
paper money, he was induced by his friends 
to stand as a candidate for Governor, with the 
hope of allaying party rage by adopting a 
middle course which might reconcile the par- 
ties. His personal qualifications, his excellent 
character, his distinguished bravery, his great 
wealth, his exemplary habits and extensive 
benevolence, rendered him the most suitable 
person to heal the political discord of the state, 
in which it is said he partly succeeded. 

In one of the years of his administration, he 
was appointed together with the Governors of 
Massachusetts and Connecticut to determine 
a great cause between some Connecticut people 
and the Indians within their jurisdiction, as to 
the title of their lands. At this trial, a ques- 
tion was raised whether the Indian sachems 



12 Reminiscence of Newport 

should be allowed to speak in their own case. 
Council contested that they should not, and 
two of the board inclined to that opinion, when 
Governor Wanton remarked, that as they had 
agreed to admit the testimony of the natives, 
their chiefs ought to be allowed to speak like- 
wise. "I have," said he, "been accounted a 
man of courage in my day, but I should turn 
coward and flee, if you bring in a body with- 
out a head." This sally carried the point. 

Not long after he came to Newport, he joined 
the Society of Friends as a member, and about 
the year 1710, became an eminent preacher,and 
so continued for a number of years before his 
death. His fondness for children was remark- 
able. 

At that time Newport was celebrated for its 
commercial prosperity. It carried on an ex- 
tensive trade with England, France, the low 
countries and Africa. They imported glass, 
damask, china, brocades, of which some speci- 
mens mav even now be found among the 
descendants of the wealthy families, though 
many a private museum has been furnished 
from them and carried off since the war. Priva- 
teers brought great wealth into Newport; it is 
said there were twenty in one year. 



Reminiscence of Neivfiort 13 

It was the custom to send home to the 
mother country for all these articles of luxury 
which could not be procured here. Newport 
then imported goods for Boston, New York 
and Philadelphia, and merchants came from 
those cities to purchase them. 

The state of manners must have been de- 
lightful before the war; the most unbounded 
hospitality prevailed; there were plenty of ser- 
vants to discharge the household duties, and 
it was a common thing for a young couple 
when they married to receive several trained 
ones born and nurtured under the paternal 
roof. 

It was partly owing to this reputation, so 
justly acquired, that Rhode Island was con- 
sidered the paradise of America, and this fame 
drew many distinguished strangers to our 
shores. The salubrity of the climate, the 
beauty of the scenery and the fertility of the 
soil, "make it a dream of beauty forever." 
Here Dean Berkeley was inspired to write his 
Minute Philosopher. It kindled the genius of 
a Copley, a Stuart, a Malbone and an Alston, 
the last mentioned of whom passed many of 
his early years here in the society of Dr. 
Channing, whose sister he afterwards married, 



/^ Reminiscence of Newport 

and who also acknowledged with gratitude 
the inspiration he drew from these scenes of 
his early studies. 

The fine harbor of Newport and its healthy 
location, made the place one of the most im- 
portant sea-port towns on the American coast, 
and before the Revolution it was said that if 
New York continued to increase as rapidly 
as it had done, it would rival Newport in 
commerce. The harbor is so capacious that 

within it — 

"All the navies of the earth 
Their thousand keels might lay." 

During the war with the French, English and 
Colonial privateers, made Newport their chief 
rendezvous, and this brought great wealth into 
the place. 

Mr. Waterhouse says, "The island of Rhode 
Island from its surpassing beauty and salubrity 
before the Revolutionary War so sadly defaced 
it, was the chosen resort of the rich and 
philosophical from all parts of the world. In 
no spot of the twelve colonies was there con- 
centrated more individual opulence, learning 
and liberal leisure. It likewise possessed good 
classical schools. 

The Hebrew language was publicly read and 



Reminiscence of Newport fj 

chanted in the Synagogue by more than three 
hundred of the descendants of Abraham. 
After the great earthquake of Lisbon, several 
families came over to Rhode Island to en- 
deavor to retrieve their fallen fortunes. Mr. 
Updike says in his history of the Rhode Island 
Bar: "The people of Newport talk of their city 
as it was before the Revolution in the classical 
days of Lightfoot, and mourn over those de- 
parted times when their Island was the seat 
and intellectual constellation of this western 
hemisphere. She could boast of her Halibur- 
ton, Hunter and Moffatt in medicine and 
surgery, Brown, Clapp, Callendar, Honeyman, 
Stiles, Hopkinson, Thurston and Berkeley for 
a while in divinity, Lightfoot, Updike, Scott, 
Robinson, Elery, Johnston, Honeyman, Mar- 
chant, Channing, Simpson and others within 
her bar. 

Her general society was learned, polished 
and urbane. To which may be added ac- 
complished strangers, military and naval, in- 
duced from the love of science and the charm 
of climate to reside there." 

And here we must speak of the grace, beauty, 
and refinement of the ladies of that period. 
There is no higher proof of cultivation than 



i6 Reminiscence of Newport 

they presented. The softness of the atmos- 
phere is peculiarly favorable to the complexion 
and hair; it preserves the delicacy of the former, 
and gives a graceful curl to the latter. At the 
same time the polished society gave an ease 
and grace to the manners rarely equalled. 

Lord Percy, afterwards Duke of Northum- 
berland, who was one of the commanders of 
the British garrison, and who was captivated by 
a beautiful young Quakeress, Miss Robinson, 
speaks with great admiration of their man- 
ners, — in a conversation with Earl St. Vincent, 
he said, "they would grace the court of St. 
James." 

There were two grades of society then exist- 
ing, one highly fashionable and aristocratic, 
not only gifted with beauty, but possessing all 
the advantages to be derived from dress. 

The other consisted of the beautiful young 
Quaker girls, as attractive from their simpli- 
city, high cultivation, and grace of deportment, 
as the former was for its fashion and display. 
The Miss Hunters were distinguished among 
the first, the Miss Robinsons among the last. 
Fine specimens still remain of their talent for 
letter writing and poetry. Emma Robinson 
was regarded almost as the tenth muse, for her 



Reminiscence of Newport 17 

fine poetical genius. She was so celebrated 
that three gentlemen came in the same vessel 
from Philadelphia and New York to try to 
win the prize; she refused them all and they 
took their leave, but the winds proving ad- 
verse, they returned. One remained and at 
length received her hand. She lived but a 
short time after her marriage — too lovely for 
earth, she found her native element in a 
higher sphere. 

It may well be supposed the British and 
French officers were ready to admire these 
lovely women. Many among the first circles 
were Tories, attached by birth and education 
to the mother country, they could not for a 
moment listen to the disruption of all their 
early ties — some few married British officers, 
others left for England, where they were mar- 
ried and caressed by the higher classes soon 
after the war, — among these were the Hunters 
and Robinsons. Mrs. Hunter took her beau- 
tiful daughters to Europe, one married a French 
Count, another an Italian banker: — it was 
said of her that she conversed with the differ- 
ent guests at her table in each ones native 
language. The eldest and most beautiful be- 
came blind from her devotion to study. She 



i8 Reminiscence of Newport 

acquired the German language after losing her 
sight, from her German attendant. 

Among her other conquests the Duke de 
Lauzan was deeply in love with her. He rode 
from Providence during the night to spend one 
hour with her before he left the country. Her 
picture and her mother's are still to be seen 
in Newport. I will quote here from Count 
Segur's memoirs — his description of a young 
Quakeress and her father. 

" There were many other beautiful women. 

The Miss Robinsons, Miss C, Miss the 

Miss Ls, Miss Wanton, Miss Bull, who was 
very beautiful, and another Miss W. who 
the French officers said, was very handsome, 
"Malgre les dents." All the French officers 
who knew them recollect the names and beauty 
of Miss C. the Misses Hunters and many others, 
Like the rest of my companions, I rendered 
them the homage to which they were entitled. 
but my longest visits were paid to an old man, 
very silent, who seldom bared his thoughts 
and never bared his head. 

His gravity and monosyllabic conversation 
announced at first sight that he was a Quaker. 
It must however be confessed, — that in spite of 
all the veneration felt for his virtues, our first 



Reminiscence of Newport 19 

interview would have been our last, had I not 
seen the door of the drawing-room open and a 
being, who resembled a nymph rather than a 
woman enter the apartment. So much beauty, 
so much grace, so much simplicity and modesty 
combined, were never before seen in the same 
person. It was Polly Lawton, the daughter 
of my grave host. Her gown was white like 
herself, whilst her ample muslin kerchief, and 
the envious cambric of her cap which scarcely 
allowed me to see her light colored hair, and 
the modest attire of a pious Virgin, seemed 
vainly to endeavor to conceal the most grace- 
ful figure — and the most beautiful form imag- 
inable. In our conversations she excited my 
surprise by the candor and originality of her 
questions. "Thou hast then neither wife nor 
children in Europe, since thou leavest thy 
country and comest so far to engage in that 
cruel occupation, War." "But it is for your 
good," I replied, that I quit all I hold dear, 
and it is to defend your liberty that I come to 
fight the English." "The English," she re- 
joined, "have done thee no harm, and wherefor 
shouldst thou care about our liberty ? We 
ought never to interfere in other people's 
business, unless it be to reconcile them to- 



20 Reminiscence of Newport 

gether and prevent the effusion of blood." 
"But," said I, "my King has ordered me to come 
here and engage his enemies and your own" — 
"Thy King then orders thee to do a thing 
which is unjust, inhuman and contrary to what 
thy God ordereth — "Thou shouldst obey thy 
God and disobey thy King, for He is a King 
to preserve and not to destroy. I am sure thy 
wife, if she have a good heart is of my opinion." 
What could I reply to that angel? for in truth 
I was tempted to believe she was a celestial 
being. Certain it is, if I had not been married 
and happy, I should have laid down my sword 
and myself at the feet of Polly Lawton." 

This extract from Count Segur's memoirs 
will give some idea of the opinion the French 
officers entertained with regard to the at- 
tractions of the female society of Newport 
at this period. 

General Rochambeau, the Duke de Lauzan 
and Count Vumas have likewise written their 
memoirs, but their works are not to be ob- 
tained here. The French noblemen who came to 
this country were highly educated men, not only 
as regarded their profession of arms, but as men 
of science; and their letters as well as memoirs 
would be highly interesting to us at this time. 



Reminiscence of Newport 21 

The Queen, Marie Antoinette, it is said, was 
always opposed to the interference of France 
in our affairs — could she have foreseen the evils 
it was to entail upon that ill fated country, how 
would she have shuddered at it. 

The Quakers at this period were much more 
numerous and influential than they are at 
present. George Fox and William Fenn had 
placed them on a lofty elevation both here 
and in England. The former, by the Christian 
fortitude with which he endured persecution 
for conscience sake, and the latter, in this 
country, for the firm yet paternal treatment of 
the Indians in the settlement of Pennsylvania. 
The suffering the Quakers endured in Boston 
too, excited the sympathy of the public and 
made many converts to their opinions. It 
professed to be eminently a spiritual religion, 
governed entirely by the principals of our 
Saviour and by the internal light of conscience. 
This doctrine in its faith and simplicity, when 
opposed to the worldly pomp and ceremony 
of the Romish Church, drew towards it many 
seekers after truth, who adopted its principles. 
Many of the benevolent institutions of Phila- 
delphia were originated by William Penn, and 
improved by Dr. Franklin, and to this day 



22 Reminiscence of Newport 

they do honor to their memory. This society 
was then more enlightened than it is at present, 
though the labors and exertions of Mrs. Fry 
in the cause of humanity have recently con- 
ferred upon it an immortal fame. 

Another of the leading Quakers of those 
times, was the first William Rotch of New 
Bedford, who commenced the whale fishery 
in this country. He possessed commanding 
talents united to great dignity of deportment, 
and had an interview with the sovereigns of 
France and England without doffing his hat, 
for he would not consent to pay that outward 
sign of respect to any earthly monarch. His 
object was to furnish the public lighthouses 
with oil, by which he made an immense for- 
tune and spent it like a nobleman. If he had 
commenced business in Newport, as he talked 
of doing, we should not now have to mourn 
over the ruins of that once flourishing city. 

Whoever has attended the yearly meeting 
in former days, must have been charmed by 
the beauty and simplicity of the young females 
of that period. Perhaps there is no dress more 
elegant and becomingto abeautiful woman than 
theirs. Gauze caps and kerchiefs, white silk bon- 
nets and shawls, and white cambric or light silk 



Reminiscence of Newport 23 

dresses, displayed their charms to the greatest 
advantage, while an air of perfect modesty 
presided over their whole appearance. Many 
a conquest was made at that time, for the 
most innocent gaiety and freedom of manner 
prevailed among the young people at these 
annual meetings, under the eye of their friends. 
In noticing the distinguished characters of that 
period, female as well as male, we must not 
omit to mention Mrs. Robinson and her three 
daughters, all remarkably elegant, highly 
gifted and accomplished women. At that 
time the Quaker meeting in Newport was a 
large, influential and wealthy society — in this 
religious sect the females possess great in- 
fluence. They are not only allowed to preach, 
but have their business meetings entirely in- 
dependent of the other sex, and merely report 
to them when they have any communication to 
make at the yearly meeting. Mrs. Robinson's 
ascendancy in these meetings was supreme, but 
it was the supremacy of superior talent, united 
to the greatest refinement and suavity of 
manner. The eldest daughter inherited all 
her mother's dignity and sweetness of manner, 
and likewise her authority in the Quaker meet- 
ing — no one ever disputed it; she ruled with 



24. Reminiscence of Newport 

gentle but supreme sway. She never married, 

in consequence of an early disappointment, but 

lived and died in her father's house at the 

Point (so called) in Newport, which was then 

considered one of the most fashionable parts 

of the town. It was of her, that her youngest 

sister wrote: 

"Ever since I was born, I was taught to believe, 
That Abby could neither mistake nor deceive." 

Could she have paid her sister a higher com- 
pliment? The second daughter married an 
English gentleman in Philadelphia — a man of 
fortune, and a highly respected President of 
the Bank of North America. Mrs. Morton 
became eminent as a Quaker preacher— she- 
was singularly gifted in prayer, and who that 
once heard the silver tones of her voice could 
ever lose the impression. It seemed like the 
pleadings of an angel of mercy. 

She had a brother in New York who failed 
for a large amount, and whose creditors refused 
to compromise with him. She directly repaired 
to New York, requested a meeting of them, 
and by her gentle and persuasive eloquence, 
arranged everything to their mutual satis- 
faction. During her residence in Philadelphia 
she was in the habit of visiting the hospital as 



Remin rt 23 

public minister; there she administered to the 

siik and dying and prepared their souls for 

I leaven. I ler life w rit in doii 1 >d. 

The youi t . Emma, we have 

spoken of before, but I u ill here relate a 

striking anecdote of her experience. She had 

a favorite brother al sea, and one night she 

imt : — 

"I s.iw my darling floating on the wave 
I saw him *-;nk but had no power I 

She arose from her bed under tin's painful 
impression, and minuted down the day and 

hour. I i«- was drowned ; ly at the tin 

and sh<- afterwai <1 v. r< >te a j»< >em ui 1 >n 

I will now give a few extra < I >m an did 
diary kept in Newport while it was held by a 
British garrison. "The British Army and Navy 
arrived here <>n the 7th 1 1 mber 1 ind 

landed on the 8th, without opposition, about 
nine thousand men under Genera] Clinton and 
Earl Percy. The town remained peaceful for 
a few days. A woman was committed t<> the 
military jail for wishing the provincials t<> 
come t<» the Island. The whole command 
was invested in Major Barry, formerly Town 
Major. He abused those of the inhabitants 
wlu> were friends to liberty in a shocking man- 



26 Reminiscence of Newport 

ner, not suffering them to converse in the 
streets. No fire wood was allowed to be 
brought from the country for the inhabitants, 
notwithstanding numbers of families were 
ready to perish with cold for want of that 
article. Those who were able sent their fami- 
lies off the island, but those who were too 
poor to leave, endured great hardships from 
loss of property, want of provisions, and fire 
wood, and the destruction of buildings and 
churches. The latter were turned into bar- 
racks, and to contribute to the general dis- 
tress the small pox broke out. Without food 
and necessary clothing, they suffered terribly. 
The Tory party was quite numerous at that 
time in Newport, many of the first families 
were quite strongly attached to the mother 
country and disapproved of the rebellion, as it 
was called — many stood on the fence waiting 
to go over to the strongest side; but there was a 
noble band of patriots determined to stand by 
their country till the last moment. These 
citizens sent their wives and children off the 
island, and remained themselves to breast the 
storm. During the winter season the troops 
were quartered in the houses of the inhabi- 
tants, from ten to forty in each house. For 



Reminiscence of Newport 2j 

three years from 1776 to 1779 the inhabitants 
of Newport were doomed to suffer all the 
horrors of a beseiged town, garrisoned by their 
enemies with a hostile fleet. 

The winter of '79- So was a terrible one for 
the people of Rhode Island. It was the 
severest one ever experienced in America. 
Narragansett Bay was frozen over, and the 
British having destroyed the trees, fuel was 
very scarce — it sold for twenty dollars a cord. 
Food likewise was obtained with difficulty, 
corn sold for four dollars a bushel, and potatoes 
at two dollars a bushel. A tax of ten thou- 
sand dollars was raised for the relief of the 
poor, to which the neighboring towns gener- 
ously contributed. 

Can it be wondered at that the prosperity 
and beauty of Rhode Island should be ruined 
and defaced by this state of things — made a 
battle ground by the British and American 
armies, its commerce destroyed by the enemy's 
fleet, its very homes invaded, and the best 
patriots treated with neglect and insult? Gen- 
eral Prescott made himself very obnoxious to 
the inhabitants by his treatment of them, but 
their cause was amply avenged by his capture 
at the hands of Colonel Barton. 



28 Reminiscence of Newport 

The Tories, however, were treated with favor 
and distinction — they were entertained on 
board the ships, and received the British officers 
at their houses, with great distinction, and the 
most liberal hospitality. Many of them left 
with the English, some for the mother country, 
and some for Canada. 

The island must have been much more 
beautiful before the war, with waving foliage 
crowning its slopes and swells. The salt and 
humid atmosphere that envelopes it, is no 
doubt the principal cause of the salubrity of 
the climate and fertility of the soil. 

The north end of the island presents a differ- 
ent style of beauty from the south. The 
heights above Tiverton and the view from 
Quaker Hill present panoramas of unequalled 
extent and variety. Mount Hope, the lordly 
residence of King Philip, the towns of Bristol, 
Warren and others, the gracefully rolling sur- 
face of the island, smooth as a lawn, with its 
extensive sea views, its inlets, bays, and river 
dotted with steamers, and other vessels, its 
famous Stone Bridge with its cluster of emer- 
ald islets, all unite to render the scene most 
enchanting. 

The French fleet under the command of 



Reminiscence of Newport 2Q 

Admiral de Tiernay entered the harbor of 
Newport on the evening of the ioth of July, 
1780. Major Lyman, first Aid to General 
Heath, was directed to repair to the ships, re- 
ceive the welcome strangers, invite them to 
land, and escort them over the island. As 
soon as they landed they mounted their horses 
and galloped into the country, escorted by the 
American officers. On their return they were 
invited to partake of refreshments at the house 
of Mrs. Wanton. The rooms were thronged 
with gay and brilliant officers, who were re- 
ceived and entertained by Mrs. Wanton, her 
daughter and niece (Miss Bull) with great 
hospitality and politeness. Among other re- 
freshments tea was served which politeness 
alone compelled them to drink, as they after- 
wards told Mrs. Wanton, ''they wished Jack 
in de hell for bringing them so much hot water 
to drink." 

From this time these gallant young noble- 
men were domesticated in the family, coming 
in at all times, sending presents of game, al- 
ways gay and agreeable, in their brilliant uni- 
forms, full of life and animation, they were 
always welcome. Many of them were nobles 
of the highest rank in the court of Marie 



jo Reminiscence of Newport 

Antoinette, then the most brilliant in Europe; 
what a contrast must have been presented to 
them by the plain, neat rooms of a Quaker 
family, compared to the splendid salons of 
Versailles ! 

Count Rochambeau was commander in chief 
of the French army, which consisted of four 
regiments, each containing a thousand men. 
The legion of horse commanded by the Duke de 
Lauzan, contained another thousand. These 
troops were completely equipped with every- 
thing suitable and necessary for the campaign, 
at a vast expense to the French government, 
which was already overwhelmed with debt, 
from the shameful and useless expenditures of 
Louis fourteenth and fifteenth. 

Their reigns had not only exhausted the 
treasury, but had left the finances of the king- 
dom almost in a state of bankruptcy. It is 
stated by Madame Campan in her journal, 
that the Queen was decidedly opposed to 
sending troops to America, but the Marquis 
de La Fayette with his chivalrous courage, 
gave the impulse to the French court. He was 
ably seconded by Silas Dean and Benjamin 
Franklin, our agents, the latter of whom was 
so popular in Paris among the high nobility 



Re7niniscence of Newport 31 

that the first ladies in France at an entertain- 
ment made for him, crowned him with flowers 
and embraced him. 

The writings of Voltaire, Rousseau and 
other French philosphers had prepared the 
public mind in some degree for a change of 
government ; many a barrier had been thrown 
down, and the zeal and ardor of the young 
nobility, imbued with the most Utopian ideas 
of liberty, hastened the terrible catastrophe. 

The French revolution, the fatal gift they 
carried back to their country, which, like the 
box of Pandora, let loose a host of evils upon 
them, and buried in its ruins so many talents 
and virtues, as well as so much elegance and 
refinement, swept off by the guillotine many of 
these noble and gifted gentlemen. There were 
ages of misery and oppression to be revenged, 
and the reaction was terrible. Yet with all 
these bitter lessons the French nation are 
further from liberty than ever, for their slavery 
now is voluntary — after wading through oceans 
of blood, through the revolutions, and under 
Bonaparte, their standards of liberty are pros- 
trated in the dust, and half a dozen revolutions 
have only sealed their degradation. 

The industry of these accomplished young 



32 Reminiscence of Newport 

men was truly remarkable. Born and educated 
in the lap of luxury, they were never idle ex- 
cept in the society of ladies. After riding, 
fencing, or parading their soldiers, they would 
hasten to their quarters, throw off their dress 
coats, replace them with their dressing gowns, 
and immediately become absorbed in study. 
Their tables were covered with books, maps, 
and everything relating to the science of war. 
The Frenchmen, distinguished for their rank at 
court, and closely connected by marriage, who 
first offered their services to their country, were 
the Marquis de LaFayette, the Viscompt de 
Noailles and Count Segur, son of the Minister 
of War. The two former married daughters of 
the duke de Noailles, the latter an aunt of 
these ladies. 

In the spring of 1781 General Washington 
arrived in Newport and held a conference with 
General Rochambeau. On this occasion, to 
honor the commander-in-chief of the American 
armies, there w r as a grand military display by 
the French troops, every soldier receiving a 
new uniform with white gaiters. The four 
regiments, Bourbonnais, Soissonais, Deux Ponts 
and Saintonge, containing a thousand men, 
were drawn up in two lines, extending from 



Reminiscetice of Newport JJ 

Townsend's corner, two miles out of town, each 
regiment with a band of music playing, colors 
flying, embroidered with the Fleur de Lys. 
Through these lines, General Washington, Gen- 
eral Rochambeau and General Heath, each with 
their Aids and Military Staff, slowly walked 
their horses. The troops paid them the same 
honors as to the Marshals of France. 

There never was so fine a military display in 
this country. The French were picked troops, 
selected with great care, trained and disciplined 
in the wars of Europe, and commanded by the 
first officers of the realm. It had been inti- 
mated by the Americans to their allies, that 
experienced officers would be very welcome in 
this country, as military tactics were not under- 
stood here. Almost all the French Chivalry, 
eager for glory, hastened to offer their services 
to their King, many were accepted as officers 
to the troops, others served as volunteers, and 
this accounts for the number that accompanied 
the expedition. Cavalry, Infantry-officers and 
experienced engineers. The Duke de Lau- 
zan's legion of horse was on duty elsewhere. 

We have heard this spectacle described by a 
a lady, as the most brilliant she ever witnessed, 
and when we consider that the object of this 



34 Reminiscence of Newport 

war was to achieve the liberties of a great 
nation, an object which united in the closest 
bonds of friendship, the inhabitants of two 
hemispheres, the extreme of European refine- 
ment and civilization, with the plain but heroic 
virtues of our ancestors, it must be acknowl- 
edged a finer sight had never before been wit- 
nessed. General Washington was attended by 
General Hamilton and General Humphreys, 
his aids, and many other distinguished officers. 

General Heath and his aids who commanded 
on the island, all united to receive with the 
highest consideration these welcome strangers. 
They dined together, and in the evening the 
French officers gave a ball in honor of the 
occasion, inviting all the ladies of the town to 
honor it with their presence. 

"Did you see that beautiful feather in Miss 
Hunter's hair? (said a German officer to a lady, 
next day) that was presented to her by the 
Duke de Lauzan." 

The French cooks and confectioners tasked 
their ingenuity to provide an elegant supper 
for this occasion. Pyramids of confectionery 
ornamented the middle of the table, fine music, 
excellent champagne, which they brought with 
them, contributed to the gaiety of the evening, 



Reminisce7ice of Newport jj 

but there is no record of any person becoming 
too gay on this joyful occasion. General Wash- 
ington opened the ball with a Newport lady, 
(Polly Champlin). His presence alone would 
have restrained them, and the French are gen- 
erally a temperate people. 

This intercourse between the two nations 
did much towards refining and polishing the 
manners of the American people; we had plenty 
of the raw material, it only wanted brightening 
up a little. 

There was a great, though amiable rivalry 
between the French and American officers, 
and this created a spirit of chivalrous dar- 
ing of which I will here give an anecdote. 
They frequently dined together and after din- 
ner would call for their horses and gallop over 
the island. On one of these occasions there 
was a party of ladies staying at Castle Hill, the 
seat of Governor Collins, that beautiful spot at 
the extreme end of the neck, and kept now as 
a boarding house for strangers. 

An American officer who was engaged to one 
of the ladies proposed paying them a visit. 
(General Daniel Lyman, engaged to Polly 
Wanton). They all agreed, delighted with the 
opportunity of paying their court to the ladies. 



j><5 Reminiscence of Newport 

As they approached the house the party 
stood at the window viewing this gallant dis- 
play of horsemen; one of the French officers 
proposed to an American that they should leap 
the fence, but alas! the Frenchman's horse 
struck the upper rail with his hoof, and threw 
his rider a rod, while the American went fairly 
over, clearing the fence handsomely. The 
young man was badly mortified at his defeat 
but the smiles and sympathy of the ladies soon 
consoled him. 

I will here give the names of some of the 
French officers who were in this country. 
Counts Rochambeau, father and son, Duke de 
Lauzan, afterwards Biron, Duke de Deux Ponts, 
afterwards King of Bavaria, Count de Noailles, 
Count Pherson, the handsomest man in the army 
and an admirer of the Queen, the Prince de 
Broglie, Count Alexander Lameth, the Baron de 
Montesquieu, the Count de Lomenie, Count 
Pulaski, the Baron de Liliehom and the Chev- 
alier Lameth who was a universal favorite from 
his noble and heroic qualities. Two of these no- 
blemen had the privilege when they rode, of 
running footmen, and this was no sinecure, as 
they always went on a galop. This was a mark 
of distinction granted in the old fendal times as 



Reminisce7ice of Newport 37 

a reward for some act of chivalry. The young 
men selected for this service were tall and 
slender, wore thin kid slippers and held a staff 
in their hands, which occasionally assisted 
them in leaping forward. As soon as they re- 
turned from one of these expeditions, they 
took something hot to drink and went to bed, 
to enable them to recover from their fatigue. 
I have heard Mrs. Wanton say, she frequently 
had one of these young officers on each arm 
of her chair, and another leaning on the back; 
she had a pretty daughter and a niece living 
with her. "Madame VV. you have one very 
beautiful niece," and then recollecting the 
daughter, added with true French politeness 
"and your daughter has a very cunning look." 
These young officers attended their General 
Count Rochambeau in his visits. One day, 
the room being full, one of them slipped into 
the kitchen to look up the young ladies — he 
found them folding clothes (in those days they 
did not disdain to assist in these domestic 
duties) this young man put on one of the 
frozen skirts and danced about in it like a 
child, with his sword hanging below it. At 
another time a mischievous girl, a neighbor 
who happened to be there, pinned a napkin to 



j8 Reminiscence of Newport 

the military coat of one of these intruders into 
the forbidden ground; ignorant of the trick 
played upon him he returned to the parlor, 
The General looked and spoke to him severely 
in French — he disappeared directly, and they 
saw no more of him for a long time. 

General Rochambeau was a good old man 
very much beloved by the inhabitants as well 
as by his troops, and such is the native gallan- 
try of the French, if they saw a lady picking 
her way through the mud, they would hasten 
to place stones in her path, to prevent her 
from wetting her feet. 

While the French were in Newport, a dep- 
utation of Indians came to pay their respects 
to the General of the Army of their Father, 
the King of France. They received a hearty 
welcome, "treat" and presents, and performed 
their war dance, greatly to the amusement of 
the French, who had never seen anything of 
the kind before. 

The officers made themselves perfectly at 
home in the houses of the inhabitants, many of 
them being quartered there, this led to a degree 
of familiarity that probably would not have 
otherwise existed — yet with all this intimacy 
the greatest purity of manners prevailed, and 



Reminiscence of Newport 39 

there was not an instance to the contrary. 
Always in motion, gay, handsome and agree- 
able, they never passed beyond the bounds of 
decorum. They were universally regretted 
when they left Newport, and carried with 
them the good wishes of the inhabitants. 

Strangers are now taking possession of the 
most beautiful parts of the island — let us hope 
that instead of arrogating to themselves an 
aristocracy of wealth, they will aim at the 
higher aristocracy of talent and virtue like 
our predecessors, that they will encourage 
native genius, enlarge the Redwood Library, 
make it the centre of art and literature, and 
in fine render it the Athens of America. They 
are already covering its surface with beautiful 
houses and gardens — may they not prove the 
gardens of Armida to the crowds of young 
men who frequent it during the warm season — 
may those who belong to the "best society" 
lay aside their follies and vices and prepare 
their hearts and minds to enjoy the beauties 
of nature without alloy. Thus shall it prove 
a school of virtue to the rising generation, 
rather than a noisy, dissipated, fashionable re- 
sort. 

As for us we feel like the Indians when ex- 



40 Reminiscence of Newport 

pelled from the lands of their forefathers, from 
their fishing grounds, their wigwams, and the 
burial places of their ancestors — but all things 
are passing away, and we shall soon pass away 
with them. 

"Oh Tempora, ok Mores." 



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